Controversial proposals by Egdon Resources to produce oil in the Lincolnshire Wolds are due to be decided by a full planning inquiry.

The Planning Inspectorate has announced the inquiry will be held next year (2026) on the plans for long-term production in the village of Biscathorpe, near Louth.

The precise date and venue of the inquiry have not been confirmed. The name of the planning inspector who will chair the inquiry has not been announced.

This the latest development in a long-running planning dispute that dates back more than a decade.

Egdon Resources first received permission for an exploration well at Biscathorpe in 2015. A well drilled in 2019 failed to meet its target. In 2020, the company announced plans for another well and 15 years of oil production.

Lincolnshire County Council refused the application in 2021, on the first day of the UN climate summit in Glasgow.

Egdon appealed and the refusal was overturned in 2023, after a less formal planning hearing.

But the grant of planning permission was later quashed following the Supreme Court ruling in the Finch case on climate emissions.

Egdon’s application now includes the UK’s first formal assessment of carbon emissions from burning onshore oil.

Equal status for campaigners

The announcement of a more formal inquiry for the second appeal could benefit local opponents.

Local residents, groups and councils can attend a hearing and give their views.

But at an inquiry, they can register as Rule 6 parties. This gives them equal status to the developer and local authority.

They can cross-examine witnesses of the other parties and they are entitled to all the inquiry documents. They will also be invited to pre-inquiry meetings.

Participating at an inquiry as a rule 6 party can, however, be expensive and time-consuming for community groups.

Amanda Suddaby, of SOS Biscathorpe, which is opposing Egdon’s plans, said:

“We’re delighted that we will have the opportunity to apply for Rule 6 Status and participate fully in the Inquiry. At the same time, it is slightly daunting because of the nationwide importance of the case and the significant costs involved.

“We’ve always known the oil industry has deeper pockets than we do, but we’re driven by something far more powerful — the need for a safer future.”

She added:

“After all the delays while Egdon reworked their environmental assessments, it’s strange kind of relief to finally have clarity about the format for the Appeal. We’re pleased it will be a full public inquiry — it’s the right decision. This is a case of real national significance, and it deserves that level of scrutiny. 

“But the fact that we’re still having to argue over whether releasing over a million tonnes of CO₂ is significant is absurd.  Of course it is — we’re living through a climate crisis and every tonne of CO2 makes a dangerous situation worse.  We need decision-making that reflects the science and the urgency of the situation we’re in.

“Allowing this kind of development anywhere right now would defy logic, but to permit Egdon to get a foothold in our protected National Landscape is completely indefensible.”

Inquiries are chaired by a government-appointed planning inspector.

They are open to the public and media. They are usually held in the area of the appeal site and sit on Tuesdays to Fridays.

Individuals can apply to evidence at planning inquiries but are usually not entitled to question other witnesses.

Key details

Reference: APP/Q2500/W/22/3296831

Link to Planning Inspectorate appeal details

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